This new Q&A series highlights the range of work from students pursuing the minor in medieval studies, an interdisciplinary study of the Middle Ages in a global perspective. This spotlight is on Nadia Makuc, a classics major pursuing minors in medieval studies and Hellenic studies.
What got you interested in medieval studies?
I really liked looking at manuscripts in Firestone early on in my time at Princeton, and I couldn’t go back from there.
What has been your favorite MED course so far and why? Cross-listed courses count!
CLA 355 Reading and Writing in Antiquity and the Medieval West with Professor Daniela Mairhofer. As the course title suggests, we looked at the history of reading and writing, from cuneiform to the printing press. By doing so, we learned about the most distinctive features of each culture – what we write down and why (and how) reveals more about the values of a certain society than anything else.
Tell us about your independent work (topic or title) for the minor.
My thesis work is understanding hope (“spes”) in Augustine’s work. I’ve researched prior Greek, Roman, Jewish, and Christian understandings of hope, and attempted to paint a picture of what this word would have meant in Late Antiquity. I’ve looked at literary, philosophical, and material sources, which have pointed to a “hope” which is unique for its detachment from material goods, with an emphasis on the value of holding on to expectation for the future good (heaven) during suffering.
What’s one interesting or surprising thing that you’ve found during your independent research?
One of the puzzles I’ve encountered is why the Latin translation from the Greek psalms gets preferred to the Hebrew psalms, even though for the rest of the Old Testament, the translation from Hebrew is preferred. I’ve been able to find the differences in “hope” between the Latin versions, and it’s quite remarkable since an entirely different word is used about 2/3 of the time. It’s a mystery far too big for me to address, but I was pleased to find that I could at least observe some of the effects of this phenomenon.
What is one thing you think everyone should know about the Middle Ages?
You can (almost always) tell if a manuscript is from before or after 810 just by looking at whether the “g” is connected all the way around (“open”) or not (“closed”).
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your experience in the MED minor?
It’s been a great way to connect with professors and be exposed to new interests with support from some of the best in the field. I would highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity!
Visit our website to learn more about the Program in Medieval Studies and explore the undergraduate minor. Students can apply as early as sophomore spring. Interested students can reach out to Anna D’Elia, program manager, with questions.
